The Position

The Governing Board of the San Benito High School District invites applications for the position of Superintendent. The successful candidate must have a vision for a single high school district structure, successful experience working with a diverse population and promoting the academic achievement of high school students. The new superintendent must be articulate and a team builder, capable of organizing and effectively managing all facets of the school district. The individual must be an excellent communicator who is a good listener, gathers input, and is courageous in making difficult decisions that are in the best interest of the students. He or she will be a strong instructional leader who is intent on maintaining and improving the academic and behavioral standards for all students. This person will also embrace and demonstrate a collaborative and inclusive leadership style.

The District

San Benito High School District is a single high school district with an enrollment of approximately 2,950. Over time the District has renovated, updated and reorganized its facilities; acquiring an additional 70 acres, 50 additional classrooms, an additional gymnasium, and 4,000 square feet of additional library space. In 2004-05, 28 classrooms, a snack bar and a satellite administrative building were added. San Benito High School District is located in Hollister, California and serves most of San Benito County, as well as a small area of Santa Clara County. A staff of 9 administrators, 125 certificated and 115 classified employees enjoys a close working relationship with a common goal of providing superior educational opportunities for all students. The District is committed to implementing effective instructional practices that promote academic rigor and positive outcomes through systematic professional growth and data analysis, expansion of technology, and the maintenance of facilities. The District also has a long history of fiscal responsibility.

The Community

Hollister, the county seat of San Benito County, has a population of approximately 35,000. Hollister is situated 42 miles southeast of San Jose, 46 miles northeast of Monterey, 91 miles south of San Francisco and 313 miles north of Los Angeles. Nestled between the Santa Cruz and Diablo Mountain Ranges, the average annual temperatures range from 44 to 72 degrees with 13 inches of rainfall. A large and increasing proportion of Hollister residents commute to the San Jose / Silicon Valley area. Within easy travel distance to major metropolitan areas and to the California coast, San Benito County offers a variety of recreational opportunities. Pinnacles National Monument, Fremont Peak State Park, and the historic mission city of San Juan Bautista are just a few of the many places to visit in San Benito County. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy golfing, hunting, fishing, camping, hiking and horseback riding.

Selection Criteria

The following criteria represent standards to be used in the evaluation of applications and in the selection of the superintendent.

Professional Experience and Preparation

Experience as a high school administrator

Administrative Services credential authorizing service as a superintendent (required)

Master’s Degree (required). Doctorate (desired)

Classroom teaching experience at the junior/middle or high school level

Personal Characteristics

A courageous leader who can institute practices that ensure the academic success of all students.

An assertive leader and problem solver, able to make difficult decisions.

A team builder with a record of building success and eliciting high performance.

A good listener who demonstrates respect for students, staff, board, parents and members of the community.

A leader who has demonstrated an ability to create a district climate of inclusion, cooperation, and collaboration.

A leader with excellent communication skills, both, oral and written, and with an established record of effective communication with the board, staff, and community.

A leader who sets and clearly communicates high expectations and outcomes for himself and his staff.

Professional Skills and Abilities

Demonstrated fiscal expertise in budget oversight.

Demonstrated success in improving achievement for all students.

Understands effective practices of a comprehensive single high school district.

A strong instructional leader with a dedication to educational excellence and equity for all students.

Successful experience in working effectively with diverse school communities.

Experience in attracting and effectively involving parents in the education of their students.

Uses data to promote the success of all students.

Experience with obtaining local funding.

Understands the importance of adherence to policies, established practices, and education codes.

Experience working with school boards, staff, and community.

Application Procedures

Applications will be held strictly confidential. Each applicant is requested to follow the procedures listed below. Those applicants wishing additional information should contact the Board adviser, Laura Alvarenga, at 650-877-0642. Any contact with board members in an attempt to influence the selection process will be considered a breach of professional ethics and result in the applicant’s removal from the process.

A completed Application Information Form. (Please complete as instructed, and do not complete by stating "see attached resume".) The Application Information Form and brochure may be completed via Dave Long & Associates web page at DLAssoc.com.

A personal letter of application stating reasons for interest in the San Benito High School District superintendent position

A placement file and/or five (5) current letters of professional references describing the applicant's performance in previously held positions

It is the applicant’s responsibility to submit placement papers or reference letters on-line by the Monday, July 8, 2013 (5:00 p.m.) deadline.

Selection Procedure

The Adviser will evaluate the qualifications of each applicant. The Board and the Adviser will use the described criteria during the screening, interviewing and final decision-making process. The board will select and interview the top candidates.

The Board will then select and invite candidates for the final interviews, conduct the interviews and select the superintendent. Travel expenses for those candidates selected for the initial interview will be the responsibility of the candidate.

Salary Contract Terms

The San Benito High School District Board of Education will offer a multi-year contract of employment with a salary that is competitive and negotiable based on the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate, plus fringe benefits.

It is the candidate’s responsibility to provide the district with employment eligibility and verification of citizenship in compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act. The finalist will also be required to provide the district with certified transcripts that verify attainment of academic degrees and proof of appropriate credentials.